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Information for seniors

About

  • This page has information for seniors in Cardinia Shire, including news, events and support available.   
  • Cardinia Shire is proud to be an Age Friendly City, recognised by the World Health Organisation. Our shire encourages active ageing by giving people opportunities to enjoy good health, participate in their community and feel secure and safe as they age.
  • Don't miss our Ageing Well newsletter. You can pick up a copy from many locations around the shire, read it online or sign up to have it emailed to you. 

Ageing Well newsletter

Read the latest edition here  Read past editions here  Subscribe to the enewsletter

Request to get the newsletter sent to you

If you would like to request a printed copy of the Ageing Well newsletter to be posted to yourself or a friend, email us at ageingwell@cardinia.vic.gov.au or call our Customer Service team on 1300 787 624. We will also add you to the mailing list.

Seniors Festival 2021

Cardinia Ageing Well Expo   

We are in the process of moving the Ageing Well expo online.  This year’s free event is hosted by Cardinia Shire Council in partnership with Casey and Cardinia Libraries. 
This event is in the process of being moved online, in accordance with the State Government’s COVID-19 advice.  

  • Presentations by special guest speakers 
  • When: October
    Where: online. For more info visit the Ageing Well website or call Pakenham Library on 5940 6200

The Victorian Seniors Festival Reimagined is back! 

The 2021 Festival Reimagined is presenting a diverse and rich mix of programming for our online and radio audience from now until October, when we welcome back live events! 

For more info visit the Seniors Online Victoria website.

Cardinia Shire Council Senior of the Year 2021 

The 2021 Senior of the Year Award recipient is Stan Hamilton. A resident of Upper Beaconsfield for many years, Stan has always contributed to the local community. He is most well-known for being a volunteer with the Upper Beaconsfield CFA, receiving a life membership for more than 60 years of service. Stan has had a long-standing involvement in the Pakenham and Berwick shows, has been a community bus driver, raised funds for the Windermere Foundation and been part of the Yakkerboo Festival since its inception in the ’70s. Stan did his first ‘hay run’ for drought relief in 2005, taking surplus feed from his farm to Murchison and has continued to donate and deliver hay to farmers for the past 15 years.  He received a Pride of Australia award in 2005. We thank Stan for his significant contribution to our community.  

Nominations for 2022 Cardinia Senior of the Year open in September. More info: Australia Day Awards

Carers Week 2021

The Alfred Health Carer Services is hosting a week of free online events to celebrate carers.

Download the carer events program

To book an event: call Carer South on 9076 6644 or express interest in an event online on the Carer South events website.

About Alfred Health Carer Services

Carers often put the needs of the person they care for ahead of their own. This is natural, but it’s very important to look after yourself too. 

  • Get practical advice and support. 
  • Get a wide range of help from counselling, peer support to respite care.  
  • Phone: 1800 422 737  or visit the Carers Gateway Website .  

Resources and services

If you're in need of additional support, these services may be useful. 

Beyond Blue  

Speak one-on-one with a trained mental health professional. Completely confidential. 
Phone: 1300 224 636 

Carers Gateway  

Get practical advice and support. Carers can get a wide range of help from counselling, peer support to respite care. 
Phone: 1800 422 737

Council on the Ageing Victoria - COTA  

A not-for-profit organisation that represents the interests and rights of people aged 50+ in Victoria.
Phone: 1300 135 090  

Dementia Australia 

Representing Australians living with dementia and the almost 1.6 million Australians involved in their care.
Phone: 1800 100 500  

Lifeline   

Provides all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Phone: 131 114  

Scam Watch

Scammers are getting increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to get your money or personal details. Be alert and protect yourself from being scammed. 
Phone: 1300 432 273  

Seniors Rights Victoria

Seniors Rights Victoria provides information, support, advice and education to help prevent elder abuse and safeguard the rights, dignity and independence of older people.
Phone: 1300 368 821

Stay Smart Online  

Gives advice and information about how to protect yourself, your family and your business online. 
Phone: 1300 292 371

Other resources

Social connections

Click on a link below to explore the large variety of social activities and events available. 

We have 8 community centres that provide people of all ages and backgrounds with places to meet, share, exchange information and learn together in supportive, nurturing environments. 
A wide range of activities and courses are offered. Find out what is available this term at your local centre.

Social and interest groups

Cardinia Shire has many interest and social groups. View them in the directory below. 

Seniors groups directory

Community events

A range of Council and local community events can also be found in our online events calendar

Aged Care Services

 Where do you start?  

If you require services to help you remain in your own home, the first step is to contact the relevant organisation. From your initial contact with that organisation, you can explore the types of services you may require. This may involve an in-home assessment. In this case, an appointment for an assessment will be made and an assessor will take you through the process. They can suggest different service providers which you can choose from, or you may prefer to choose your own.  

Please note: Cardinia Shire Council does not provide aged care services. These services are provided by external service providers that operate within Cardinia Shire Council.   

Home and Community Care for Younger People (HACC PYP)  

To be eligible, you must be

under 65 years old and have a disability or care for someone with a disability 

 or if

You are Aboriginal and is under 50 years old and have a disability or care for someone with a disability

Services available

My Aged Care  

My Aged Care is the main centralised Federal Government aged care service. This service provides free information and advice to help people navigate the aged care system. It consists of a website and a call centre. You must register with this service before you can obtain an assessment that will allow you to access services and home care packages.   

Ph: 1800 200 422  

Web: www.myagedcare.gov.au  

My Aged Care Assessment Service Cardinia Region   

For advice and referrals for all home care support & packages for seniors.   

Ph: 5945 0800   

Email: RASfeedback@mecwacare.org.au  

Community Home Support Packages (CHSP)  

Entry level support services to live independently at home. You may only require one or two services.  

Eligibility:  

  • 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people)

or

  • 50 years or older (45 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) and on a low income, homeless, or at risk of being homeless.  

The main type of CHSP services available:  

  • In home services such as personal care, domestic assistance and property maintenance/ modifications.  
  • Community services include transport for shopping or appointments and allied health services.  
  • For more info contact My Aged Care 1800 200 422 or visit the My Aged Care website
  • You will need a home support assessment to determine your eligibility and the level of support you need.  

Home Care Packages (HCP)  

For those who have more complex needs to support independence in their own home.   

You are eligible if you are

Over 65 years old or 45 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
An in-home assessment is required to assess if you are eligible for this type of funding and the level you require.  

Levels of funding:  

  • Level 1– Basic care needs  
  • Level 2– Low care needs  
  • Level 3– Intermediate care needs  
  • Level 4– High care needs   

The main type of HSP services available:  

  • In home services such as personal care, domestic assistance, aids & equipment and property maintenance.  
  • Community services include transport for shopping or appointments and activity groups.   
  • For more info contact My Aged Care 1800 200 422 or visit the My Aged Care website.

Organisations that assist with packages

Mecwacare - Pakenham Office

Offering services for those ineligible for My Aged Care services including:

  • domestic support
  • community transport
  • in-home support
  • community programs
  • disability support.  

For more info: call 5945 0806 or visit the Mecwacare website.    

Navigators Hub  

If you need help navigating or signing up with the My Aged Care system, you will find this local service helpful.
Cardinia Shire Council and Council of the Ageing Victoria (COTA) has a trained team of community members to support you

More info:

Where: Outlook Community Centre 24 Toomuc Valley Road, Pakenham
Ph: 5941 1535

Southern Migrant Refugee Centre 

Southern Migrant Refugee Centre provide:  

  • multicultural planned activity groups for seniors.
  • aged access & support workers
  • friendly home visiting services   

For more info: call 9767 1900  or visit the Southern Migrant Refugee Centre website

Wintringham   

Access and support for seniors who require help with home care packages and financial disadvantage.

For more info call 9769 0202   or visit the Wintringham website

Safety and online scams

The Australian Government is hosting free online safety presentations to help older Australians stay safer online.

Bookings are limited. To view all presentation topics and to book visit the Australian Government’s Be Connected website

Some of the presentations include:

  • staying safe on Facebook
  • all you need to know about data and public Wi-Fi
  • safer online shopping and banking
  • protect yourself against scams
  • selling safely online
  • connecting to others
  • how to use smart home technology
  • how to use zoom to make video calls
  • helpful apps for your smart device
  • how to use government websites

Protecting yourself against scams and cybercrime

Scammers are getting increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to get your money or personal details. Be alert and protect yourself from being scammed.

Scams
Call 1300 432 273 or visit the Scamwatch website

Cybercrime
Call 1300 292 371 or visit the Cybercrime website

Dementia information

More info: Dementia-friendly communities page

Personal alarms

Council do not provide personal alarms.

Funded personal alarms

If you are over 65, you may be eligible for a subsidised personal alarm. To enquire about this you can: 

  • contact Mecwacare for an assessment on 5945 0800
  • speak to a community health nurse or occupational therapist 

If you are under 65, contact Monash Health on 1300 342 273

Unfunded personal alarms

Many private providers offer medical monitoring services which you need to pay for.  

Library services

There are two libraries in Cardinia Shire. These are located in Pakenham and Emerald. There is also a mobile library service for those who live in the outer regions of the shire.

If you or someone you know is housebound or having difficulty getting to the library, give the Home Library Service team a call. They can arrange a home visit to discuss your eligibility and reading interests. You can have books delivered to your home and exchanged on a regular basis. All library volunteers are police checked. Of course you can visit your library service in Pakenham, Emerald and through the Mobile Library bus service.

The service offers

  • large print books
  • talking’ books
  • short-term and long-term memberships

Ph: 5990 0100
Email: home.library@cclc.vic.gov.au

Click a link below to get more information

Our Ageing Well Strategy

Ageing Well Strategy

  • Council has adopted the Ageing Well Strategy 2019-25.
  • The strategy sets Council’s priorities over the next 5 years to support older residents to be healthy, active, stay socially connected and participate fully in the community. 
  • It was informed and developed through extensive consultation with older residents and the broader community along with community groups, service providers and state and federal government agencies. |
  • Click here to read the Ageing Well Strategy and Action Plan 2019-25

Age Friendly City

  • Cardinia Shire is proud to be an Age Friendly City, recognised by the World Health Organisation.
  • An age-friendly city encourages active ageing by giving people opportunities to enjoy good health, participate in their community and feel secure and safe as they age. In practical terms, an age-friendly city adapts its structures and services to be accessible to and inclusive of older people with varying needs and capacities.

More info: World Health Organisation Age Friendly World website

Age Friendly Alliance Team

The Age Friendly Alliance Team was formed in 2017 to assist Council with its vision to create an age-friendly shire. An age-friendly shire enables older people to live in security, maintain their health and participate fully in society. Making cities age-friendly is one of the most effective approaches for responding to demographic ageing (World Health Organisation, 2007). 

Purpose 

  • To provide a mechanism for Cardinia Shire Council to consult with community representatives around issues related to Ageing Well in Cardinia Shire 
  • Guides and informs Council on the implementation of the Cardinia Shire Ageing Well Strategy and Action Plan. 

Objectives 

  • To represent the needs of Cardinia Shire residents aged 55 years and over   
  • Provide a platform for older residents to have a voice and present their views to improve the health and wellbeing of older residents   
  • Provide insights and advice based on their own knowledge and experiences as older members of their various communities 
  • Act as Ambassadors for Ageing Well by actively promoting information, activities and issues relating to ageing in Cardinia Shire 
  • Assist Council with its vision to create an Age Friendly Cardinia Shire 
  • Be actively involved in the delivery of projects, as they relate to the work of Council’s Ageing Well team 
  • Assists with the development and distribution of the Ageing Well newsletter

Local history

Casey Cardinia Libraries plays a key role in preserving the rich histories of Casey and Cardinia for both current and future generations.
Click here to browse through

Click on the links below to browse through local history

Awards and nominations

Stan Henwood Award 

Do you know someone who has made a great contribution to the Cardinia Shire community?

Council’s Stan Henwood Award is presented each year to someone who has made a positive, long-term contribution to their community.
Visit the Stan Henwood Award page to nominate someone who has inspired you over the past year, or to find out more about the awards.

 

Cardinia Shire Council Senior of the Year 2021 

The 2021 Senior of the Year Award recipient is Stan Hamilton. A resident of Upper Beaconsfield for many years, Stan has always contributed to the local community. He is most well-known for being a volunteer with the Upper Beaconsfield CFA, receiving a life membership for more than 60 years of service. Stan has had a long-standing involvement in the Pakenham and Berwick shows, has been a community bus driver, raised funds for the Windermere Foundation and been part of the Yakkerboo Festival since its inception in the ’70s. Stan did his first ‘hay run’ for drought relief in 2005, taking surplus feed from his farm to Murchison and has continued to donate and deliver hay to farmers for the past 15 years.  He received a Pride of Australia award in 2005. We thank Stan for his significant contribution to our community. 

Nominations for the 2022 Cardinia Senior of the Year open in September Click here www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/australiadayawards  

Questions?

For any questions about services, events and activities for seniors:

Contact our Ageing Well Facilitator
Ph: 1300 787 624
Email: mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au

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